Church forgoes new Easter outfits to assist prison re-entry

Chris Kaltenbach, The Baltimore Sun

Worshipers at a West Baltimore church donated more than 1,000 pieces of clothing to a prison re-entry program as part of their Easter Sunday services.

Members of the Empowerment Temple Church were asked to forgo buying new outfits for Easter in favor of donating new and gently used clothing to be distributed among men and women released from prison and looking to re-enter the workplace.

"We want to help our brothers and sisters who have been newly released make a fresh start and put their best foot forward," said the Rev. Jamal H. Bryant, founder and senior pastor of Empowerment Temple.

The drive was part of the church's frugality drive during Lent. Members were also encouraged to not use credit cards, avoid unnecessary purchases and save $5 a day to open a savings account at a local bank.

Members donated more than 1,000 items during the church's three Easter services, Empowerment Temple Chief of Staff Cheloea Hill said.